Life-changing transformations for children through parent engagement and family strengthening

Since 1988, FAST® has transformed families and improved the lives of children across cultures, languages and socio-economic classes in 20 countries around the world. Built on evidence-based practices and rigorously tested, the 8-week FAST parent empowerment program and two-year FASTWORKS® parent-led sessions consistently produce statistically significant improvements in children’s behavior, emotional well-being, and academic performance while building social capital among families, schools and communities.

The results speak for themselves.

At hundreds of sites involving thousands of families, FAST has been shown to:

Improve the quality of children’s lives

Better parent/child relationships

67% of FAST Parents say they have a better relationship with their FAST Child

More positive relationships with peers

43% of FAST Graduate Parents and 40% of teachers say that FAST Children engage in more prosocial behaviors

40% of FAST Graduate Parents and 33% of teachers say that FAST Children have fewer problems with peers

53% of parents say they’re more involved in their children’s education

54% of teachers see noticeable improvements in parental school involvement

Fewer emotional symptoms and behavior problems among FAST Children

Promotion of school safety

FAST builds protective factors among children and families, increases social capital, and cultivates trusting relationships

This leads to the reduction of social marginalization, social isolation, and stress of families

Build social capital

Improved relationships among parents

70% of FAST Parent Graduates report improvement in total social relationships.

46% increase in reciprocal social support among FAST Graduate Parents

Improved community relationships and knowledge of community resources

64% of parents report improvement in community relationships

Better knowledge of the impact and management of drug and alcohol abuse

28% of parents report a better understanding of the negative effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse

31% of parents report improvement in their ability to recognize addiction

33% of parents report improvement in knowing where to get help if addicted

FAST®: Holistic and Systemic Impact

Because FAST builds social capital among families and within communities, its impact is uniquely holistic and systemic – accruing benefits that extend beyond the effects of traditional categorical programs.

For example, a community that chooses to implement exemplary, evidence-based approaches to reduce school failure, truancy, delinquency and drug addiction could require four different programs for the same children. In contrast, the community can accomplish the same multiple categorical outcomes by implementing the FAST Program – a single, positive prevention/early intervention program that builds stronger relationships in families and among the existing social structures of schools and communities.

“In FAST, I learned to value every moment with your kids, and to be involved in every school activity.”

Families & Schools Together was awarded a $5,000 charitable grant in November 2017 from the Endres Manufacturing Company Foundation. The investment will fund the pilot of FAST® at One City Early Learning Centers in Madison, Wisconsin. The Foundation’s contribution will

Madison, Wis. (May 30, 2017) – Families & Schools Together, Inc. received a generous grant in the amount of $10,000 from The Evjue Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of The Capital Times. The grant will support the pilot of FAST®, the

Bring FAST® to your community

Families & Schools Together, Inc. provides the structure, materials and training to launch and sustain FAST® in schools and communities, across regions, and around the world. Contact us to learn how we can help you bring this life-changing program to your area.